Pre/Pro Basic Question

[aroy]

My 5.1 system is from the 90's consisting of NHT VT-2/VS-2 speakers, Parasound HCA1250 amplifier and Sony TAE-9000ES pre/pro (that I LOVE). I do not have room to add more speakers. Given the fact that I am limited to 5.1, is it worth replacing the Sony pre/pro with say a Marantz 7706?

 

[slipperybidness]

What features will the Marantz add that you currently lack, but would like to add?

 

[aroy]

IDK, Marantz was just an example. Maybe modern electronics and some different DSPs.

 

[Hetfield]

I like getting the cheapest AVR with pre outs like something from Denon that way you get all the bell and whistles and haven't spent a ton on a processor. I have the Denon X3400H as my processor with a Parasound HCA1205A and it sounds excellent.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

If you want a Pre-pro, not AVR, I think something like the Yamaha CX-A5200 or Marantz AV805 might be preferable for better built quality. But the AV7706 will sound just as good as any Pre-pro.

 

[TLS Guy]

My 5.1 system is from the 90's consisting of NHT VT-2/VS-2 speakers, Parasound HCA1250 amplifier and Sony TAE-9000ES pre/pro (that I LOVE). I do not have room to add more speakers. Given the fact that I am limited to 5.1, is it worth replacing the Sony pre/pro with say a Marantz 7706?

Yes, it will be worth it. There are some 7705s still around, which will be just fine for you also.

 

[sterling shoote]

My 5.1 system is from the 90's consisting of NHT VT-2/VS-2 speakers, Parasound HCA1250 amplifier and Sony TAE-9000ES pre/pro (that I LOVE). I do not have room to add more speakers. Given the fact that I am limited to 5.1, is it worth replacing the Sony pre/pro with say a Marantz 7706?

Here's what you'll loose: digital and analog recording capability. What you'll get is HDMI and Atmos. I now enjoy movies and multi-channel SACD via TA-P9000ES to TA-N9000ES 5 channel power amp and TA-N80ES power amp bridged to mono. So my TA-E9000ES has been mostly used to process stereo components for 2.1. It's now dead, so I likely will replace with a Parasound Halo P6. But if you do decide to replace, give me a quote on the TA-E9000ES, I would like another.

 

[Truthslayer]

If you are happy with your current Sony pre-pro 5.1 set up and don't plan on adding any more speakers. I don't see any reason to attempt an upgrade.
Know since of going 7, 9 or 11 channels when you can't use it now. Sounds like you really like how your system is now. If it ain't broke, let it be until you are able to go with more channels. When the time comes you are able to add more speakers, by then there will be the next newer feature set thing on the market.
I think just like most audio listeners, your just itching to buy something new, when you don't really need it.

Edited: meat-hook fingers pressing wrong keys LOL

 

[lovinthehd]

Hard to know what you might gain with your brief description. Do you use a tv/projector with the gear? What optical disc players or other devices? Do you need modern connectivity like HDMI? You would gain ability for newer lossless codecs like Dolby TrueHD or DTS:X, and internet connectivity off the top of my head; the former would be a subtle improvement IMO, the latter is something I expect now in my gear altho there are workarounds depending on needs.

 

[aroy]

Hard to know what you might gain with your brief description. Do you use a tv/projector with the gear? What optical disc players or other devices? Do you need modern connectivity like HDMI? You would gain ability for newer lossless codecs like Dolby TrueHD or DTS:X, and internet connectivity off the top of my head; the former would be a subtle improvement IMO, the latter is something I expect now in my gear altho there are workarounds depending on needs.

Thank you for your suggestion. Connected to the pre/pro are a Denon CD player, a 4K Bluray player and a 4K TV, a HiMedia network streamer to stream movies from my server and an Alexa cube for streaming Apps. I have workarounds for the numerous HDMI needs. I use a switch. I also use a HDMI audio extractor using optical connectors to the Sony pre/pro.

 

[TLS Guy]

Thank you for your suggestion. Connected to the pre/pro are a Denon CD player, a 4K Bluray player and a 4K TV, a HiMedia network streamer to stream movies from my server and an Alexa cube for streaming Apps. I have workarounds for the numerous HDMI needs. I use a switch. I also use a HDMI audio extractor using optical connectors to the Sony pre/pro.

That arrangement gets you up to, or even over the edge of having a Frankenstein system.

I think if you purchased a Marantz pre/pro you would be very glad you had.

 

[PENG]

My 5.1 system is from the 90's consisting of NHT VT-2/VS-2 speakers, Parasound HCA1250 amplifier and Sony TAE-9000ES pre/pro (that I LOVE). I do not have room to add more speakers. Given the fact that I am limited to 5.1, is it worth replacing the Sony pre/pro with say a Marantz 7706?

If you don't need 8K/HDMI2.1, you would like do better with the Yamaha CX-A5200 or even the CX-A5100 if you can find one. The AV7706 imo is no worth it, because you can get better performance (at least on paper) with an AVR-X4700H for less money, unless you must have XLR connections. You can use its preamp mode for now and when you are ready to try more channels, you can then use some of the built in amps.